CONOR MCGREGOR is being stripped of his lightweight title because he doesn't want to defend it, according to UFC president Dana White.

Conor McGregor is on the verge of being stripped of the lightweight title

McGregor's status as the ruler of the UFC's 155lbs division champion has been up in the air following a confusing press conference in January.

During the aforementioned media day to promote UFC 223, White implied that McGregor had been relieved of his belt by declaring that Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov will fight for the 'real title' on April 7.

"I put my name forward to step in at UFC 222 to face Frankie Edgar when Max Holloway pulled out, but I was told there wasn't enough time to generate the money that the UFC would need,” he said in an Instagram post.

"I was excited about bouncing in last minute and taking out the final featherweight, without all the rest of the stuff that comes with this game.

"Please respect the insane amount of work outside the fight game that I have put in."

Conor does want the belt, he does want to be the champion, but he doesn't want to defend it

Dana White on why Conor McGregor is being stripped of the lightweight title

McGregor's stunning declaration beggared one question from the majority MMA world: Why is he being stripped of his belt if he's willing to fight?

According to White, 'The Notorious'' unwillingness to defend the title has led to the UFC brass to press forward with their plans for the lightweight championship to be contested next month.